House of Lords approves ban on social media access for under-16s

The House of Lords voted overwhelmingly to approve an amendment that would bar children under 16 from using social media, passing the change by 261 votes to 150 and sending the measure back to the House of Commons. If enacted, the amendment would require platforms to deploy "highly effective" age checks within 12 months of the act coming into force to ensure no under-16s are registered users.

The cross-party measure was tabled by Conservative peer Lord John Nash and co-sponsored in the Lords by Labour peer Baroness Berger, Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Lisa Benjamin and independent crossbench peer Baroness Cass as a change to the government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Peers framed the move as a direct intervention on child welfare and online safety, closing a chapter of debate that has gathered momentum among bereaved families, charities and public figures in recent weeks.

Downing Street initially said the government would not accept the amendment, and ministers have signalled a preference to await the outcome of a public consultation due this summer before introducing primary legislation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer however told colleagues he was "not ruling out any options" and has pledged action to protect children from online harms. A government spokesperson said: "We will take action to give children a healthier relationship with mobile phones and social media."

Supporters argue the change is necessary to stop what they describe as growing psychological and social harms. Lord Nash said: "Tonight, peers put our children's future first. This vote begins the process of stopping the catastrophic harm that social media is inflicting on a generation." Campaigners behind the amendment include bereaved parents, charities and high-profile advocates; public figures such as actor Hugh Grant have urged ministers to back the proposal.

The Lords vote reflects mounting pressure within Parliament. More than 60 Labour MPs have publicly urged the prime minister to support a ban, creating a potential rebellion if the government seeks to overturn the amendment in the Commons. Baroness Kidron, founder and chair of the 5Rights Foundation, described a "growing call" for a ban and said the support of more than 60 Labour MPs made the Lords backing "crucial" because it meant "there's at least 60 people on the government benches who are not willing to just walk through [the division lobbies] and overturn it."

Opponents and some child-protection experts warn an outright ban could create a false sense of security and produce unintended consequences. Campaigners and charities remain divided: some press for stronger statutory controls and safer design, while others warn enforcement, user safety and the shifting digital habits of teenagers complicate a simple prohibition. Medical professionals have also issued warnings about the mental health implications of online platforms, contributing to the intensity of the debate.

The amendment comes amid international policy shifts, with Australia recently imposing an under-16s restriction on social media applications, and polling suggesting broad public support for tougher rules. The Commons now faces a high-stakes choice that will test the government’s parliamentary management and determine whether the UK will adopt one of the most stringent age-based social media regimes in the democratic world.